PHILADELPHIA, March 2, 2001 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Borough of Throop, Pa. to replace a portion of the existing sewer system that has been causing sewage backups in homes.
"Old, inadequate sewer systems are a major cause of water pollution in communities nationwide. Improving sewer systems is a major component of improving water quality, and this grant to Throop is an important first step," said Thomas C. Voltaggio, acting regional administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region.
The project will replace 1,550 feet of the sewer line on South Valley Avenue, six manholes, and 31 service laterals. The existing sewer line and manholes are old, cracked, and deteriorated, causing blockages and sewage backups in residents homes.
The sewage backups into the homes have exposed residents and borough employees to health hazards inherent in raw sewage, and the borough was frequently providing maintenance service.
The project will benefit 530 residents served by the sewer line. The grant will pay for 55 percent of the project cost and the borough will pay for the balance with local funds.
